Yogendra Yadav detained in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvannamalai

Former AAP leader Yogendra Yadav was detained in Tamil Nadu on Saturday. The former leader has alleged manhandling by the police. The psephologist-turned-politician was on his way to meet farmers who had invited him to be a part of their protest against a proposed eight-lane expressway

By

NewsX Bureau

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Updated

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8 September 2018,

12:38 PM

Yogendra Yadav arrested in Tamil Nadu Tiruvannamalai

Tamil Nadu Police on Saturday detained former AAP leader Yogendra Yadav in Thiruvannamalai district when the psephologist-turned-politician was on his way to meet farmers who had invited him to be a part of their protest against a proposed eight-lane expressway. In a series of tweets, the politician alleged that he was also manhandled by the police. He alleged that the police snatched away his mobile phone, manhandled and pushed him into the van.

In another tweet, he alleged that he had talked to Kandasamy, Collector, Thiru Annamalai about the acquisition and police excesses for 8 lane way, however, the collector completely denied any police interference. He added that within minutes of the phone call, he and his associates were stopped from meeting the protesters.

TN police has detained me and team in Chengam PS, Thiru Annamalai district. We came on the invitation of Movement Against 8Lane Way.We were prevented from going to meet farmers, phones snatched, manhandled and pushed into police van.First hand experience of police state in TN!

I had spoken to Mr Kandasamy, Collector, Thiru Annamalai about acquisition and complains of police excesses for 8 lane way. He completely denied any police interference. Within minutes of the phone call police detained us. https://t.co/KYrA0oHJ26

Yadav has also shared a video via his Instagram handle where he can be seen being manhandled and stopped by the police. He further wrote that he asked for a permission to meet the farmers inside their homes but his request was denied by the Supdt. Police, Thiru Annamalai. He didn’t accept his request citing that it may create law and order situation in the area.

As per reports, Yadav had not sought the permission from the police to participate in the protest. Several people are protesting against the construction of eight-lane expressway as they are afraid of losing their lands. The expressway is facing opposition from people including farmers and environmentalists who claim large number of trees will be cut in a bid to complete the project.